Rotatable Accessory For A Mobile Device

ABSTRACT

A combination of a protective case for a mobile device and a handle attached to the protective case allows a person to easily and comfortably hold said mobile device in a secure fashion. An insert of the handle is placed into an insert-receiving cavity of the protective case, the cavity being formed in a planar body. The insert is secured within the insert-receiving cavity by means of an interference fit, which allows the insert to rotate or slide in and out of the cavity with the application of sufficient force. The handle has a gripping body, which provides a number of finger-receiving volumes that a person&#39;s fingers can be inserted into. The protective case can be rotated about the insert of the handle as desired. Multiple insert-receiving cavities can be provided to afford a user more choice when attaching the handle to the protective case.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/000,092 filed on May 19, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for mobile devices. More specifically, the present invention is case and corresponding handle that can be detached from each other and which allow a user to comfortably hold a mobile device using the handle and protective case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Millions of people utilize cell phones, tablets, and mobile devices in general in their everyday routine. As these devices are frequently used there are many opportunities for a person to accidently drop or otherwise damage their personal devices. While cases and guards have been developed to prevent any damage from occurring, it is still ideal to avoid dropping a personal device in the first place. It is therefore desirable to provide an accessory which is ergonomic and easy to hold. The present invention addresses this by providing a detachable handle for a protective case. The detachable handle can be removed when not needed, and is secured without the need for permanent fasteners in order to increase user friendliness. The protective case is rotatable with respect to the handle, allowing a user to adjust the position of the protective case and secured mobile device as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an enlarged embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the enlarged embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the enlarged embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the present invention, showing the plane upon which a cross-sectional view is taken and shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a top cross-sectional view take along line A-A of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an interference fit of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a mobile device accessory which allows a user to easily hold and rotate a mobile device. Common examples of mobile devices include but are not limited to cell phones, tablets, and portable gaming devices. To allow a user to easily hold such a mobile device, the present invention comprises a protective case 1 and a handle 2. The protective case 1 is used to interface a mobile device with the handle 2. The handle 2 provides an ergonomic means of holding the mobile device, via the connection of the handle 2 to the protective case 1. The protective case 1 comprises a planar body 11 while the handle 2 comprises an insert 21 and a gripping body 22. A first surface 12 and second surface 13 of the protective case 1 define opposite faces of the planar body 11, with the first surface 12 and second surface 13 being positioned opposite each other through the planar body 11. The mobile device is secured to the protective case 1 adjacent to the second surface 13 of the planar body 11. The insert 21 is engaged with the planar body 11 through at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3, the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3 traversing into the first surface 12 of the planar body 11. It is noted that the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3 may traverse partially into the first surface 12 of the planar body 11, or alternatively traverse fully into the first surface 12 and out of the second surface 13 of the planar body 11. These options results in either a cavity or a hole (the latter being shown in the illustrated embodiments) being formed in the planar body 11, both of which can be utilized as part of the present invention. The insert 21 traverses into a selected insert-receiving receptacle 31 of the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3, resulting in the handle 2 being attached to the protective case 1. The at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3 can comprise a plurality of insert-receiving receptacles 35 in order to provide more choice for a user of the present invention. The present invention is shown via FIG. 1-FIG. 13.

The gripping body 22 provides an ergonomic means of grasping the handle 2. In the preferred embodiment, the gripping body 22 comprises a first lateral surface 221, a second lateral surface 222, and at least one finger-receiving volume 223. The finger-receiving volume 223 traverses into the first lateral surface 221, such that said finger-receiving volume 223 is positioned between the first lateral surface 221 and the second lateral surface 222. Similar to the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3, the finger-receiving volume 223 may traverse partway into the gripping body 22 or may alternatively traverse completely through the gripping body 22, the latter implementation being shown in the illustrated embodiments. A user can place a finger in the finger-receiving volume 223, allowing the user to easily hold the protective case 1 and attached mobile device via the handle 2. As the insert 21 is rotatable engaged with the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31, the user can rotate the protective case 1 and corresponding device with respect to the handle 2.

Multiple finger-receiving volumes 223 can be provided, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Providing multiple finger-receiving volumes 223 allows a person to improve their grasp on the handle 2 by using more fingers to hold the handle 2. Though the illustrated embodiment shows a total of four finger-receiving volumes 223, other embodiments could choose to provide less or more; providing more than five finger-receiving volumes 223 might seem superfluous but would afford a user the option vary the distance between their fingers by using different finger-receiving volumes 223.

In other embodiments, the handle 2 may be altered as compared to the illustrated embodiment. For example, to reduce bulk and weight, one embodiment of the present invention can include at least one ring as the gripping body 22. The finger-receiving volume 223 is then defined as the open area interior to the ring. While such an embodiment decreases weight and bulk of the present invention, it also reduces the amount of surface area that allows for contact between a finger and the gripping body 22. The decrease in available surface area could result in decreased ergonomics. This is just one example of an alternative embodiment, and does not preclude the implementation of further gripping bodies in conjunction with the present invention. The gripping body 22 and finger-receiving volumes 223 are illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 10-FIG. 12.

The insert 21 is secured in the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31 by means of an interference fit (also known as a press fit). This attachment method is preferable as it allows the handle 2 to easily be detached from the protective case 1, in addition to allowing the insert 21 to rotate inside the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31. This is an improvement over other attachment mechanisms such as glue, nails, hook-and-loop fasteners; these other mechanism have the drawbacks of being harder to detach and reattach, difficult to rotate, or even both.

In order to allow the insert 21 to rotate within any of the insert-receiving receptacles 31, both the insert 21 and the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3 are cylindrical. The insert 21 and the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31 are concentric with each other, allowing for unfettered rotation of the insert 21 within the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31. The insert 21, and it's attachment to the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31, is best illustrated in FIG. 10-FIG. 13.

As an interference fit is used to secure the insert 21 within a selected insert-receiving receptacle 31 of the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3, an insert radius 211 of the insert 21 must be greater than a receptacle radius 32 of the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3. The difference in radius causes the insert 21 to deform as it is pressed into the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31, the deformation resulting in a high force between the insert 21 and the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31. This high force secures the insert 21 in place unless a sufficient force is applied to remove or rotate the insert 21. Effectively, the insert 21 will only move if a user purposefully interacts with the insert 21 in order to remove or rotate it.

As shown in the illustrations, multiple insert-receiving receptacles 31 can be provided. This allows a user to reposition the handle 2 with respect to the protective case 1. This is beneficial as different insert-receiving receptacles 31 may be more desirable depending on the mobile device being used, the preferences of the user, and the situation in which the present invention is being used.

The interference fit can be improved in order to provide a more secure attachment between the insert 21 and the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31. For such an embodiment, the at least one insert-receiving receptacle 3 comprises a narrow portion 33 and a widened portion 34. Correspondingly, the insert 21 comprises a neck 212 and a head 213, with the head 213 being wider than the neck 212. When the insert 21 is pressed into the insert-receiving receptacle 31, the head 213 is forced through the narrow portion 33 of the insert-receiving receptacle 31 into the widened portion 34 of the insert-receiving receptacle 31.

Once the head 213 is positioned in the widened portion 34, it is prevented from sliding out as the head 213 is wider than the narrow portion 33 of the insert-receiving receptacle 31. Unless a large amount of force (for example applied intentionally in order to remove the insert 21) acts upon the head 213, it will be prevented from being dislodged from the widened portion 34, as the head 213 is larger than the narrow portion 33.

Preferably, the head 213 is pliable enough that it can deform, provided sufficient force, and be pulled out of the narrow portion 33 in order to detach the handle 2 from the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31. The insert 21 can then be engaged with a newly selected insert-receiving receptacle 31, as desired by the user. Similarly, if the user does not need the handle 2, the handle 2 can be left detached from the protective case 1 until later needed, at which point the handle 2 is easily reattached to the protective case 1 by pressing the insert 21 into the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31.

The above description of a narrow portion 33, widened portion 34, a neck 212, and a head 213 details just one way of how the interference fit between the insert 21 and the insert-receiving receptacle 31 can be expanded. Another example of a possible addition is a locking mechanism that supplements the frictional force in preventing undesired movement and rotation of the insert 21 with respect to the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31. Illustrations clarifying the narrow portion 33, widened portion 34, neck 212, and head 213 are provided via FIG. 10-FIG. 12. FIG. 13 provides a visual explanation of the concept of an interference fit as utilized by the present invention.

To help secure the protective case 1 to a mobile device, the protective case 1 comprises a lip 14 in addition to the planar body 11. The lip 14 is perimetrically connected to the planar body 11 in order to create a mobile device receiving space. The mobile device receiving space is positioned adjacent to a first surface 12 of the planar body 11 and interior to the lip 14. The lip 14 and planar body 11 brace a mobile device in the mobile device receiving space, helping to prevent it from becoming dislodged or otherwise unintentionally shifted.

The present invention is suitable for use with a variety of different sized devices, including personal cell phones (e.g. smartphones), tablets, and portable gaming devices. The present invention can thus be produced in a number of different sizes, each size being provided in order to fit a specific product's dimensions Likewise, embodiments provided for larger devices (e.g. a tablet rather than a smartphone) can comprise a plurality of insert-receiving receptacles 35 as earlier referenced. It is noted that only one insert-receiving receptacle 31 is necessary for the present invention; more are possible and provide a user with more options when attaching the handle 2 to the protective case 1, but only one is required to allow the insert 21 to couple with the protective case 1. FIG. 6-FIG. 8 provide examples of the present invention being scaled up for a larger device, e.g. a tablet compared to a smartphone.

A description of how the present invention is used in conjunction with a mobile device follows. A mobile device is placed in the corresponding space formed within the lip 14 and adjacent to the planar body 11. The lip 14 secures the edges of the mobile device, in combination with the planar body 11, serves to secure the mobile device in the protective case 1. The handle 2 can then be attached to the protective case 1 via the insert 21. The insert 21 is pressed into a selected insert-receiving receptacle 31 (as chose by the user) on the planar body 11. The user applies sufficient force to allow the insert 21 to overcome the frictional forces that would normally prevent it from being pressed into the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31. The user is thus able to engage the insert 21 with the insert-receiving receptacle 31, with the insert 21 being secured in the insert-receiving receptacle 31 by said frictional forces.

By engaging the insert 21 with the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31 the user has attached the handle 2 to the protective case 1 without having to use any tools or adhesive materials. The interference fit that secures the insert 21 within the insert-receiving receptacle 31 prevents unintentional rotation, shifting, and overall movement of the insert 21. However, a large enough force, such as intentionally applied by a user, can overcome the frictional forces in order to remove or rotate the insert 21 with the selected insert-receiving receptacle 31.

The user is able to easily and comfortably hold the handle 2 by placing their fingers into the finger-receiving volumes 223. The user is able to rotate the protective case 1 (and the corresponding mobile device) to a desired position. The handle 2 helps a user securely grasp a phone and reduces the likelihood of dropping and damaging a mobile device, saving time and money that might otherwise have to be spent on repairing or replacing the mobile device.

The present invention can be constructed from a variety of materials. In one example embodiment, silicone is used for the protective case 1, the silicone material making it easier for the protective case 1 to secure a mobile device. Ultimately the present invention is not limited to a specific material or combination of materials, which can be varied during production as desired.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotatable accessory for a mobile device comprises: a protective case; a handle; the protective case comprises a planar body, a first surface, and a second surface; the handle comprises an insert and a gripping body; the first surface and the second surface being positioned opposite each other through the planar body; the handle being positioned adjacent to the first surface; the handle being attached to the planar body; the gripping body being adjacently connected to the insert; an at least one insert-receiving receptacle traversing into the planar body through the first surface; the insert traversing into a selected insert-receiving receptacle of the at least one insert-receiving receptacle; the insert being rotatably engaged with the selected insert-receiving receptacle; and the insert being slidably engaged with the selected insert-receiving receptacle.
 2. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the gripping body comprises a first lateral surface, a second lateral surface, and an at least one finger-receiving volume; and the at least one finger-receiving volume being positioned between the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface.
 3. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 2 comprises: the at least one finger-receiving volume traversing into the first lateral surface.
 4. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 2 comprises: the at least one finger-receiving volume being perpendicular to the insert.
 5. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 2 comprises: the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface being parallel with each other.
 6. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the insert being cylindrical; the at least one insert-receiving receptacle being cylindrical; and the insert being concentric with the selected at least one insert-receiving receptacle.
 7. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: an insert radius of the insert being greater than a receptacle radius of the at least one insert-receiving receptacle, wherein the insert is pressed into the at least one-insert receiving receptacle in order to attach the handle to the protective case.
 8. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the at least one insert-receiving receptacle comprises a narrow portion and a widened portion; the insert comprises a neck and a head; the narrow portion being positioned between a rear face of the planar body and the widened portion; the head being wider than the neck; the neck being positioned within the narrow portion of the selected insert-receiving receptacle; and the head being positioned in the widened portion of the selected insert-receiving receptacle.
 9. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the insert being engaged with the selected insert-receiving receptacle by means of an interference fit.
 10. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the protective case further comprises a lip; the lip being positioned adjacent to the second surface of the planar body, wherein a mobile device is placed between the lip and secured to the protective case; and the lip being perimetrically connected to the planar body.
 11. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the at least one insert-receiving receptacle comprises a plurality of insert-receiving receptacles; and the plurality of insert-receiving receptacles being patterned across the planar body.
 12. A rotatable accessory for a mobile device comprises: a protective case; a handle; the protective case comprises a planar body, a first surface, and a second surface; the handle comprises an insert and a gripping body; the gripping body comprises a first lateral surface, a second lateral surface, and an at least one finger-receiving volume; the insert being cylindrical; the at least one insert-receiving receptacle being cylindrical; the first surface and the second surface being positioned opposite each other through the planar body; the handle being positioned adjacent to the first surface; the handle being attached to the planar body; the gripping body being adjacently connected to the insert; an at least one insert-receiving receptacle traversing into the planar body through the first surface; the insert traversing into a selected insert-receiving receptacle of the at least one insert-receiving receptacle; the insert being concentric with the selected at least one insert-receiving receptacle; the insert being rotatably engaged with the selected insert-receiving receptacle; the insert being slidably engaged with the selected insert-receiving receptacle; and the at least one finger-receiving volume being positioned between the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface.
 13. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the at least one finger-receiving volume traversing into the first lateral surface.
 14. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the at least one finger-receiving volume being perpendicular to the insert.
 15. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface being parallel with each other.
 16. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: an insert radius of the insert being greater than a receptacle radius of the at least one insert-receiving receptacle, wherein the insert is pressed into the at least one-insert receiving receptacle in order to attach the handle to the protective case.
 17. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the at least one insert-receiving receptacle comprises a narrow portion and a widened portion; the insert comprises a neck and a head; the narrow portion being positioned between a rear face of the planar body and the widened portion; the head being wider than the neck; the neck being positioned within the narrow portion of the selected insert-receiving receptacle; and the head being positioned in the widened portion of the selected insert-receiving receptacle.
 18. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the insert being engaged with the selected insert-receiving receptacle by means of an interference fit.
 19. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the protective case further comprises a lip; the lip being positioned adjacent to the second surface of the planar body, wherein a mobile device is placed between the lip and secured to the protective case; and the lip being perimetrically connected to the planar body.
 20. The rotatable accessory for a mobile device as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the at least one insert-receiving receptacle comprises a plurality of insert-receiving receptacles; and the plurality of insert-receiving receptacles being patterned across the planar body. 